New Delhi: Government today said it has
received a number of representations from Hindus and Sikhs
from Pakistan, who came to India on group pilgrimage, seeking
extension of their visas but they will have to return to their
country within the validity period of their existing permit.
"It has come to notice that a number of Pakistani
nationals belonging to minority communities in Pakistan i.e.
Hindus and Sikhs, who have come to India after obtaining
pilgrimage group visa, have not returned within their visa
validity period and have been seeking extension of their
visas.
"All such Pakistani nationals who have come to India on
group pilgrimage visa will have to return to Pakistan within
the visa validity period or the short extended period allowed
in specific cases," Minister of State for Home Affairs
Mullappally Ramachandran told Lok Sabha in a written reply.
He said a number of representations have been received
requesting for allowing extension of visas of such Pakistani
nationals and also for permitting them to apply for Long Term
Visa (LTV).
"As per the conditions stipulated while granting visa to
Pakistani nationals coming in group to visit religious places,
they have to travel within India as a group," Ramachandran
added.
The minister was asked whether a considerable number of
Hindus, who had come from Pakistan on pilgrimage, have not
returned to their country.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 15:42